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Safety the message to K-12 students

By Jan SchultzThe Imperial Republican Students at Chase County Schools have been getting a heavy dose of how to live safely through a program being presented individually to all K-12 classes by the Imperial Police Department. Chief Rob Browning said he felt it was a good idea to get into each of the classrooms with the National Child Safety Council program. Presentations started in October. While the department gives other school presentations from time to time, this is the first time for such a big emphasis on the subject of safety. Browning said he’d like to continue to present the program every few years or so. The presentations ran the gamut of safety issues, presented in an age-appropriate format, Browning said. Topics such as sharp objects for the youngest of students to cyber-bullying and sexting for the oldest are included. Browning said the department had strong support from the community in purchasing the program materials. It couldn’t have been done without that, he added. All students went home with information to share with parents. The program will conclude on Monday with the presentation to the senior class. All four officers in the department were involved in the program presentations. Below is a listing of the topics addressed in each grade. Kindergarten—Friendly police officers and safe friends, walking safely, poison safety, gun safety, sharp objects, fire dangers. 1st grade—“Bullying is Wrong” safety handout. 2nd grade—Safe walking and bike riding; how to tell the good guys from the bad guys. 3rd grade—Treating others with respect, never using violence to solve problems, never stealing, playing in safe well lit areas, listening to your parents. 4th grade—Internet safety, which covered a variety of tips, including email, setting up a profile, passwords, safety in chat rooms, parental controls and being aware of sexual predators. All K-4 students also watched the “Bullying is Wrong” safety video. 5th grade—Drug-free and “safety sure” kids. 6th grade—Drug-free kids. 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th grades—Domestic violence in dating relationships; dating, smart dating, date rape, cyber-dating. 10th grade—Sexual assault, assaults at college, date rape, sexual harassment, stalking, how to use self defense sprays, methods of resistance, what to do if you are assaulted, how to be medically treated if you are assaulted, what course the law plays in these assaults. 12th grade—Herbal highs, other stimulants, marijuana, methamphetamine, rohypnol (date rape), GHB (ecstasy), cocaine, Xanax, crack, the signs of usage, inhalants, tobacco use, alcohol, drinking and driving, how to know if kids are at risk, synthetic drugs and spices, cinnamon challenge, hand sanitizer intoxication, cyber-bullies, sexting, how to take action and speak out.